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Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Seven Dials Shopping Guide - Village Shopping in the City

Here is my second article for fashionsalade:

London might look like one big city but on closer look it divides
into several smaller neighborhoods and villages. Seven Dials is one such
village. In the heart of Covent Garden, away from the hustle & bustle of
the main tourist spots it brings you seven streets of independent boutiques,
heritage brands and vintage stores.

These are my favourite stores in Seven Dials:

Orion, Monmouth Street

Orion is a paradise for everyone who loves retro looks and girly
dresses. The store offers a wide selection of adorable dresses made of vintage
inspired fabrics and figure flattering styles. Prices range from £40-60, which
makes them a welcome alternative to the same old Highstreet labels.

Everything comes in one size only, which seems odd first but
ultimately saves a lot of time looking for different sizes. They also offer a
great selection of accessories from Tilby hats to Satchel bags in a range of
colours, all perfect for the festival season.

The Japanese heritage might explain why Tabio presents a whole world
of foot accessories to complement your outfit. No matter whether you want to
get a pair of delicate sockets with lace rim or something more daring like the
lace up ankle socks, this shop will inspire and deliver. I never leave without
my head full of ‘leg coordination’ ideas and a bag filled with the supplies for
it.

Vintage shopping is great fun. It is even more fun when you get your
hands on something that is unique, a bargain, one of a kind or something that simply
looks amazing on you. The Loft on Monmouth Street will make it very easy to
find exactly that. It is full of contemporary second hand designer labels
including Prada, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Chloe and many more.

Suppliers are celebrities; stylists, fashion editors or ordinary
mortals who need space in their closet and provide the shop with a constant
stream of fabulous frocks. Most items are available for roughly 30% of their
original price so be prepared for screams of delight and a bargain bonanza.

French women know how to dress. Where
others fail after hours of trying hard they excel with ease and casualness. If
you want to investigate further into the French way of ‘throw-on-in-minutes to
look stunning for hours’ head to Lollipop in Neal Street. The chic Parisian accessories label offers a
great range of bags, shoes and costume jewellery for young, urban and fashion
conscious woman.

The charming boutique with its rose
coloured walls and French style interior makes a welcome change to the contemporary
stores nearby. Products are girly in
design with fabrics such as lace, embroidery and bows.

You really get into the French mood and I
wouldn’t wonder if you step out already planning your next trip to Paris.

A shoe boudoir oozing glamour and with a
luxury feel. The store has opulent red velvet curtains framed posters of old
Hollywood icons and sofas adorned with plush cushions. It is the perfect
environment to check out the coolest and edgiest shoe labels of the season.

From Acne, Opening Ceremony and See by
Chloe to Dr Martens, Underground and All Star, Poste Mistress stocks high-end
labels as well as lesser known underground brands. This is what makes this shop
unique and the shopping experience addictive.

Spex and city is a beautiful small
boutique and the place to go if you're looking for cool, sophisticated and
standout glasses. They have a superb collection of frames and the likelyhood
that you meet someone wearing the same ones goes to zero.

The staff is skilled, extremely friendly
and super helpful when it comes to deciding which model to go for. It’s not
easy since there is so much choice. Not your average glasses store and
definitely one not to be missed.